Another disappointing away defeat for the Cobblers see them fall below their hosts in the League Two table as an own goal from Lee Nicholls (although Aidy Boothroyd felt his goalkeeper was impeded) and strikes from Cureton and Gosling secured the three points for Exeter.
Town matched their hosts for chances but saw efforts from Akinfenwa and Platt cleared off the line.
Unusually, Boothroyd's men struggled against set-pieces and the manager admitted afterwards: "That is very unlike us."
Opposite number Paul Tisdale was pleased with the way his side 'played deep and won' and also their defensive strength.
"Northampton came very close to scoring and they put a lot of pressure on us."
Town had a poor record on this day going into the match having lost 10 of the 18 fixtures played on 2 March. Check out their full record by clicking below.
http://www.northamptontown-mad.co.uk/on_this_day/2/mar/northampton_town/index.shtml